California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc.
8120 36th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95824-2304
916-381-8300

Contact: Jack Raudy
(530) 389-9154 or jraudy@foothill.net

SACRAMENTO (April 14, 2008) - - Imagine you and your family driving your sport utility vehicle over the same route used by 8,000 early pioneers in more than 1,500 covered wagons during the 1849 to 1852 gold rush period.

The California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs can make your dream a reality, as it has announced its 14^th annual Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail Ride will be held July 18 through July 21 taking participants from Lovelock, Nevada to Surprise Valley, California located near Cedarville in Modoc County.

"This is a 200-mile trip that has been designed especially for SUV owners and families," said trail boss Warner Anderson, who also serves as narrator for the tour. "Whether you are a history buff life myself, or just want to get out into the backcountry and enjoy some beautiful scenery, great food, and terrific company, we will have it all."

According to Anderson, this trip follows the same route discovered by Peter Lassen in 1849. He said an estimated one third of the 1849 gold rush emigrants used the trail.

This year’s Lassen-Applegate trail ride participants will gather at Sturgeon’s Inn and Casino in Lovelock, Nevada for a wine and cheese get-together between 6 and 9 p.m. on Friday, July 18. After breakfast on Saturday morning, the group will begin its three-day journey.

"The emigrants wrote in their diaries such good descriptions of their trip that we can identify all of the key points of interest in the history of this route," Anderson said. "It is not a difficult trip, but there are places where four-wheel drive will be required or where trail committee instructions must be followed."

Camping the first night will be at Double Hot Springs, former camping area for all of the pioneer wagon trains, and the second night will be at Stevens Camp, which provides toilets, spring water and possible hot showers. Participants will need to bring their own tents and sleeping bags.

Cost for the trip is $250 per adult, $125 for children seven through 14, and children under seven are welcome free of charge. The cost includes all meals from breakfast on Saturday through breakfast on Monday. In addition to bringing their own tents and sleeping bags, participants are encouraged to bring a camera, folding chairs, snacks, refreshments and drinking water.

"I organize and narrate four-wheel drive trips throughout the year," said the trail boss, "but clearly, this trip is my favorite. It is one thing to read about John C. Fremont and Kit Carson traveling this same trail, but it gives new meaning when you can be there and let your imagination run wild."

The Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail Ride is fully insured and operates under a permit from the Bureau of Land Management. Proceeds from the event help support the four-wheel drive association’s education and safety foundation.

The trip is limited to the first 25 vehicles on a first-registered, first-served basis. For more information or to register for this exciting trail ride, contact Warner Anderson at (775) 629-9232 or wana7448@sbcglobal.net  or Ron Vance at (775) 246-4099 or vance63@charter.net .
You can visit the High Rock Trekkers Web site for more information.

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California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs Inc
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. Conservation & Education Foundation

CA4WDC, INC.
8120 36th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95824-2304
800 - 4x4-Funn (494-3866)
916 381-8300
916 381-8726 (Fax)
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